Lung Cancer and Hodgkin's

Lung cancer and Hodgkin's disease may often develop in the same patient. Second cancers (such as lung cancer), which can arise after a patient is diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, constitute the number one cause of death in these patients. According to a report in 2002, people with Hodgkin's disease who receive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of the two treatments, are at higher risk of developing lung cancer. This research on lung cancer and Hodgkin's disease showed that the combined effects of tobacco use and treatment accounted for the bulk of the lung cancers in the patients studied.

Lung Cancer and Hodgkin's Disease: An Overview

While 7,000 people a year are diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease in the United States, it is among the more treatable and curable types of cancer. Second cancers, which can arise after a patient is diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, constitute the number one cause of death in these patients. Lung cancer is the most frequent solid tumor seen in this group. However, data on the reasons behind the increased risk have been sparse and inconsistent.

Research on Lung Cancer and Hodgkin's Disease

According to a report in the Feb. 6, 2002, issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, people with Hodgkin's disease (HD) who receive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of the two treatments, are at higher risk of developing lung cancer. The study also finds a higher risk for lung cancer among smokers treated with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Lung cancer research scientists noted that it was the combined effect of smoking and treatment that accounted for the bulk of lung cancers in this study, underscoring the importance of smoking cessation in the management of patients with Hodgkin's disease. They also noted that it is clear that the tremendous improvement in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease far outweighs any therapy-related risks of lung cancers, especially when compared with the enormous burden imposed by tobacco.

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